Kicks in the Sticks ready for second year

Event raises money for local and African kids

A runner makes her way through one last wooded stretch as she approaches the finish line while competing in the 2012 Jefferson City Rotaract Club “Kicks In The Sticks” Trail Scramble at Binder Park.
Photo by News Tribune.

Organizers say they have a lot in store for the second annual Jefferson City Rotaract Club Kicks in the Sticks fundraiser.

The trail race through the woods at Binder Park will take place Saturday.

Last year, more than 100 runners participated and organizers said they are on course to get more than 200 this year.

Distances of approximately 1.2, 3.5 and 7.5 miles are available for runners or walkers. You must be at least 10 years old to participate.

The area opens at 4 p.m., music starts at 4:30 p.m. and the races start at 6 p.m.

There will be food from G2 Gallery, drinks from Fechtel Beverage and live music performed around the lake.

Children 5 and younger get in free, and all other tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on race day.

Ryan Burns, communications manager with the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, ran in last year’s event and said part of the proceeds raised are going to the HALO Foundation, Helping Art Liberate Orphans.

“It was founded by Jefferson City native Rebecca Neuenswander and provides art therapy for orphans,” Burns said. “The Jefferson City branch supports the Mengo Home for Orphans in Uganda, Africa, and also helps children locally at the Jefferson City Academic Center and Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association.”

Burns added that kids in the HALO program designed medals that will be given out.

Also getting proceeds from the event will be the Buddy Pack Program through the Central Missouri Food Bank. This program provides free backpacks filled with food for qualifying students.

Jefferson City elementary schools participate in this program.

For more information or to register for Kicks in the Sticks, call Jefferson City Parks and Recreation at 573-634-6482.